Sewer Backup Coverage

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Many homeowners wrongly assume that their homeowners insurance policy will cover them if they experience any sort of loss. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true, especially in the case of a sewer backup. Learn how sewer backup coverage, which can often be purchased as a rider to your homeowners insurance, can help protect you.

What Protection Does it Offer?

For an additional premium to your homeowners insurance policy, an endorsement for water backup and sump discharge will cover losses caused by the following:

Water or waterborne material that overflows from a sump, even if the backup of water is due to the mechanical breakdown of the sump pump. Coverage includes damage to covered property but excludes the sump pump and any related equipment that has broken down

The backup of water or waterborne materials through a sewer or through a drain

What Protection Does it Not Offer?

The endorsement does not cover losses that involve owner negligence, such as from damage as the result of forgetting to turn on your sump pump, or damages caused by a flood.

Protecting Your Sewer Line

Some water and sewer backups are unavoidable, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent backups in your sewer line:

Shrub and tree roots: It’s common for the roots of trees and shrubs to make their way into sewer line cracks. Over time, the cracks allow debris to build up. If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your sewer lateral, consider replacing it with a pipe made of plastic.
Illegal plumbing connections: Connecting flood control systems to your sanitary sewer only spells trouble. Consult a plumber to correct any illegal connections.
Paper products: Do not flush anything other than toilet paper down your drain. This includes “flushable” wipes and feminine hygiene products.
Cooking grease: Instead of rinsing grease down your drain, dispose of cooled grease in your garbage.
Routine maintenance: Contact a plumber annually to perform maintenance rooter cleaning.

Replace old clay pipes: If you’re experiencing problems or have an older home, it may be in your best interest to have old clay pipes replaced.

Take steps today to protect your home and your wallet from the potential risk of a sewer backup disaster by securing coverage.

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